Leeds United journalist Conor McGilligan has stated that he believes Kalvin Phillips will sign a new contract with the club.
There has been much talk about the future of the Englishman in recent weeks and months, with Manchester United one team possibly interested in acquiring his services.
The 25-year-old’s contract is not set to run out until June 2024, but with clubs potentially ready to offer him higher wages and Champions League football, he may not commit to the club any further than that.
Despite this, McGilligan has claimed that he thinks Phillips will sign a new deal, even if only to protect his value for the club – much like Jack Grealish did at Aston Villa before he moved to Manchester City for £100m.
While speaking on his own YouTube channel, McGilligan said: “Will Manchester United make that move for someone like Kalvin Phillips in the summer months?
“Listen, I think he’s gonna sign a new contract, but what do we know nowadays? Contracts just mean that the club gets an assurance.
“We saw that with Jack Grealish. He recently signed a contract for Aston Villa. I believe it was a year later he was sold to Manchester City – a boyhood Villa fan.
“This is something that Leeds fans are harking back to. I think it would be more of a devastating loss to Leeds United to lose Kalvin Phillips because he’s the anchor.
“I think he’s irreplaceable, I don’t think there’s anybody who could fit in his mould and do what he does.”
TIF Thoughts on Kalvin Phillips and Leeds…
Having come through the Leeds academy, Phillips has certainly gone on to be one of the key members of the team – if not the most important man in the squad.
This is reflected by the fact that at still only 25 years of age, he has played over 200 times for the club. His absence was felt heavily when he didn’t play against Man United on the opening day of this season, as Leeds were thumped 5-1.
Will England miss Kalvin Phillips in their next two games?
Yes
No
That certainly doesn’t bode well for those who can picture a near future without the midfielder. Still, if Phillips does sign a new contract, as McGilligan predicts, the Yorkshire outfit will have no obligation to sell him and so could hang on to their ‘irreplaceable’ talent for many years to come.
In other news: ‘Great to hear’, ‘Fantastic’ – Many LUFC fans buzz over Graham Smyth’s ‘great news’